Abstract

This dissertation is the result of a study that aimed at identifying problems in Reading and Writing skills in English faced by students studying at the higher secondary level. The study, by way of a series of tests administered to students from three schools in Bangalore, and questionnaires administered to the teachers, along with interviews of the faculty, found that students faced problems in acquiring language skills, and the teachers certain challenges in imparting these skills to students.
The sample consisted of 110 participants. It included three schools. The survey employed three research instruments for data collection: four tests, questionnaire and interview. By listening to the teachers through the interviews, and the evaluation of their caliber as teachers through the questionnaire, and through the results of the tests conducted for the students, the researcher was able to garner information that helped to make the dissertation more comprehensive by identifying the specific area that students face problems in and the reasons behind these problems. Based on the above-mentioned information, the researcher was able to propose a few suggestions for the learners, teachers and the management. The objective of the study was to motivate students and to develop an interest in English language learning so that they will be better-equipped to cope with the challenges of society in future.
The results impelled the researcher to conclude that one cannot generalize that students from English medium schools would perform better. Students from the regional medium marginally out performed those of the English medium, and this was a surprising element of the study. This helped the researcher to understand that the role of the teacher in imparting skills is very important. It was noticed that if provided with better learning facilities, and adequate motivation, appreciation and encouragement, students from regional medium schools can do well on English language tests.